This Canadian Hotel Was Just Designated a “Fortress”

On the hunt for a Meghan Markle-worthy weekend getaway? There’s no need to cross the Atlantic — or woo a Prince. Canada is home to a handful of royalty-ready properties, including the world’s most photographed hotel, Quebec City’s Chateau Frontenac. With towering spires, candlelit chandeliers, over a century of history and plush in-room bathrobes, this French-Canadian Castle is fit for a princess. (Or rather, for anyone who *thinks* they’re a princess, like me.)

The Chateau Frontenac is, after all, where Queen Elizabeth II herself stays when she’s in town, as did her parents (King George VI and Queen Elizabeth). And high-rolling royalty aren’t the only famous faces to grace the halls of this Canadian castle: Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie and Sir Paul McCartney have all called the Chateau Frontenac home for a night or two.

The Chateau Frontenac has also hosted its share of world leaders. During a 1943 meeting held the historic Rose Room (pictured below), Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill planned the D-Day invasions onto Normandy Beach, France. It is in this same romantic space, 75 years later, that we toast to a new historic moment for the Chateau Frontenac.

In 2018, this iconic hotel is celebrating its 125th anniversary—and with it, the honour of being named a LOUIS XIII Fortress destination. (The distinction is a little like a Michelin star ranking, except rather than coming from a marshmallow who sells tires, it’s coming from one of the world’s most prestigious liquor brands.)

A bottle of LOUIS XIII—the ultra-expensive cognac brand that made a movie with John Malkovich and a song to save the planet with Pharrell—has nearly as much heritage and charm as the Cheateau Frontenac itself. The brand has been around since 1874, and each bottle is a blend of up to 1,200 different eaux-de-vie ranging in age from 40 years to over 100 years old. Essentially, every sip is a century in the making—so careful not to spill!

The most unique and special spirit in the world, enjoyed in a 125 year old castle, with sweeping views over the St. Lawrence river (AKA, your kingdom.) This is luxury with a strong sense of  heritage, and it doesn’t get more monarch-worthy than that.